5 favourite Joaquin Phoenix roles in the movies

Joaquin Phoenix – an actor that I’ve really enjoyed in all the movies I’ve seen him in. A dedicated intensity is always present in the roles he plays. With a few interesting movies on the horizon, there’s no better time to consider 5 of his best roles in the movies.

Clay Pigeons (1998) – Clay
This is the first film I ever saw with Joaquin Phoenix. Although Vince Vaughn is essentially the star of the movie, Phoenix really caught my eye as this unsuspecting guy who obliviously becomes friends with a serial killer. I thought he seemed really refreshing and different as an actor, there was something quirky about him and I wanted to see more.

Gladiator (2000) – Commodus
And then came Gladiator. This has to be when he really broke out as an a talented actor. Commodus is often referenced as one of the best movie villains, all down to Joaquin Phoenix. He portrays a man who is having all kinds of inner battles with demons; he’s riddled with jealousy, controlled by cowardice and twisted by a unsatisfied hunger to be loved and to be popular. Our man Phoenix manages to execute all these emotions through an extremely subtle yet chilling performance – I’m talking about the quivering of the lip, the breaking of the voice and that pure evil glazed over look in his eyes.

Walk The Line (2005) – Johnny Cash
This is one great biopic, in my opinion. If there was a different actor playing Johnny Cash this could have gone very wrong. But Phoenix had clearly prepared and prepared and prepared to Walk The Line. Not only does he get the mannerisms and personality of Johnny Cash down to a tee, but the vocals are also incredibly close to the real thing.

Two Lovers (2008) – Leonard
Practising for Her, Joaquin Phoenix plays a character who is emotionally broken after his relationship with his fiancee comes to an end. Two Lovers is a beautifully discreet movie about the pains of depression, adult relationships and manipulative women. Although all the leading performances are fantastic, our main man stands out yet again with an achingly good portrayal of a character who is just struggling with day-to-day life, and love.

Her (2013) – Theodore
Throughout Her, Joaquin Phoenix has a lot of intimate solo screen time. His performance is quite a mesmerising one as Theodore, the lonely dude who falls in love with an operating system. On that note, who wouldn’t fall in love with Scarlett J’s voice?

What’s your favourite Joaquin Phoenix movie? How do you feel about him as an actor?

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29 thoughts on “5 favourite Joaquin Phoenix roles in the movies”

I haven’t seen Clay Pigeons or Two Lovers. I have Her saved on the PVR, but have yet to watch it. I first really noticed him in 8MM (1999). He played Max California, a worker in a sleazy video shop. I liked the way he contrasted with Nick Cage’s stiff detective.
Although I am not a fan of Country music, I reckon he nailed Johnny Cash, in Walk The Line. So that’s my favourite role of his so far.
Best wishes, Pete.

I’d recommend the ones you haven’t seen – they’re really good movies. Clay Pigeons is a quirky one, yet Two Lovers takes itself very seriously. And Her is just great, I’m positive you’ll enjoy it!

It’s good to know you enjoyed Walk The Line, even as someone who isn’t a fan of that particular kind of music. Me on the other hand – I love Johnny Cash’s music! 😀 Reese W was great in that movie too. They both did very well, and had great chemistry.

For me, the same, I love him best as Commodus in “Gladiator”. He can portray the evil lurking inside real good. He is a hit or miss with me. I did enjoy his performances in “Her” and in “The Master”, but I still believe there are better roles out there someplace for him.

Great list! I haven’t really seen Phoenix in a lot of things but I agree that his Gladiator role is one of the best movie villains I’ve seen in a while. Have you seen Buffalo Soldiers? While the film does have its flaws, I thought he was pretty good in that.
Milo.

I’ve seen Buffalo Soldiers, a long time ago! I actually nearly put it on the list but I decided to go for Two Lovers instead, because I thought Phoenix’s emotional performance in the latter was just great.

I have only seen ‘HER’ and it was more than enough for to be impressed by Phoenix’s acting chops!!

Btw I am a (wannabe) movie critic and I basically post reviews for all films I watch.I am a beginner at this so please drop by my blog if you could spare some time.All feedback is appreciated.Thanks!! 🙂